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Chamonix

Chamonix Ski Resort

Chamonix is the go-to destination for expert skiers, mountaineers and climbers. Its name is synonymous over the world with challenging steep runs, extreme off piste terrain, and striking alpine scenery.

The valley is home to four ski areas – the Grands Montets, Brévent-Flégère, Les Houches and the Domaine de Balme – and limitless off piste terrain. Each possess some seriously tough runs, but there are also options for beginner and intermediate skiers and boarders. Getting between them requires using the valley bus service – which could do with some improvement – or driving to the lifts each morning.

Chamonix is a long-established, year-round working town, with a permanent population of around 12000. This in turn means it is lively and is very well catered for in terms of après, restaurants, shops and accommodation.

The resort is home to the second Ski Club Freshtracks Chalet and there are 17 weeks of holidays based here throughout the winter. From All Mountain Development trips to challenging Day Tours holidays, there is something for everyone and this is the best way to experience the best that the Chamonix Valley has to offer. Course only options are also available if you’d rather choose your own accommodation.

Pros

Cons

Separate mountains are not the easiest to get to and bus services aren't great

Bad weather can shut the best runs

Still some old lifts and serious queues in key spots

Not much for beginners and limited extent for intermediates

Chalet Freshtracks - Chamonix

Discover Ski Club Freshtracks Chalet in Chamonix.

Chamonix Skiing and Snowboarding

The skiing for experts is as good as it gets and the valley is home to some of the world’s top lift-served off piste descents – including the famous Vallée Blanche. All of the four main resort areas have some epic steep terrain, although sadly the top of the Grands Montets is out of action this winter, but the pistes for beginners and intermediates are slowly improving. Purchasing the Mont Blanc Unlimited lift pass makes a big difference as it also gives you access to the wooded slopes of St Gervais and Megève and the Italian resort of Courmayeur.

Total Pistes: 173km in the Chamonix Valley

Blue: 33%

Red: 44%

Black: 23%

Lifts: 62 in the Chamonix Valley

Altitude: 1035m – 3840m

For Beginners

For absolute beginners, the best choices are the Trappe zone at Flégère and the 2000 zone at Br´vent. Although the Grands Montets piste map has very little for beginners, the slopes immediately above Lognan are gentle and the new Tabé chairlift serves a good blue on which to progress. The wooded slopes of Les Houches offer some decent progression but the snow quality lower down can suffer.

For Intermediates

Some decent intermediate cruising is on offer on the Grands Montets, but the main pistes can prove to be crowded at times. Longer runs are available under the Parsa chair at Brévent, in the Domaine du Balme or at Les Houches – the latter of which is perfect in bad weather when the trees add contrast during a whiteout. Day trips to St Gervais and Megève are also well worth it.

For Advanced/Expert & Off Piste

Over half of the marked routes on the Grands Montets are rated black, so before you even add in the off piste the area’s credentials for advanced and expert skiers are clear. The closure of the upper cable car does make a difference however, reducing the options this winter. In the other sectors, the C. Bozon trail at Brèvent and the Floria route at Flégère are definitely worth trying. Off piste options are almost limitless, especially with a mountain guide – be sure to utilise the Ski Club’s Instructor-led Guiding Service in Argentière for by far the best value guided days in the Chamonix Valley, for £35 per member.

Chamonix Piste Map

Chamonix Ski Pass Prices

The Chamonix Le Pass covers the Grands Montets (except the cable car to the top), the Domaine de Balme and Brèvent-Flégère. For those looking to visit Courmayeur in Italy, Les Houches, the Aiguille du Midi, St Gervais and Megève, the Mont Blanc Unlimited pass is the pass to choose. The Chamonix season pass costs €1181 for an adult. Note that these prices may change, so check with the resort’s website for the latest or give the Ski Club’s expert info & advice team a call on 020 8410 2009.

For full details see the resort's website and note that these dates are subject to change. The Ski Club’s expert info & advice team are also on hand to help – call 020 8410 2009.

Chamonix Resort

Chamonix is a bustling place, with scores of hotels and restaurants and shops selling everything from tacky souvenirs to high-tech climbing gear. The car-free centre is full of atmosphere, with cobbled streets and squares, beautiful old buildings, a fast-running river and pavement cafes. Away from the centre there are lots of apartment blocks, whilst chalets can be found scattered throughout the valley.

For Families

The bustle of Chamonix and the drive required to get to the ski areas makes the centre of Chamonix itself a less than ideal base for families. Either Argentière or Les Houches make for a better, more family-friendly base. The valley has some good activities away from skiing, including a popular alpine coaster and dog-sledding.

For Après

Although the terrace at Lognan is a good spot for a post ski beer, head to Chamonix for your après fix. Numerous bars line the streets of central Chamonix, particularly on the Avenue Michel Croz and the Rue du Dr Paccard and these do get lively after the lifts close. Nightlife often continues into the small hours but be prepared to get a taxi back to Argentière.

How to get to Chamonix

The Chamonix Valley is incredibly accessible from Geneva airport, with transfers generally taking under an hour and a half, traffic dependant. Public buses also run the same route, although travel times extend to two and a half hours and the spread out nature of the valley lends itself to having a car. The drive from the UK is also one of the shortest around, expect to be on the road from Calais for about 10 hours.

Good For

Ability

In Resort

On Slope

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Ski Club Chamonix Facebook Group

Join the Ski Club's Chamonix Facebook group and become part of an online community where you can chat with other members, arrange to ski together and post your photos, videos and updates from your trip.